WORLD MASTERS ATHLETICS 2022 : 82 YEARS OLD EX-KERLA MLA MJ JACOB WINS DOUBLE BRONZE

(The Quiver): At age 82, former Kerala MLA MJ Jacob took home his first medal at the World Masters Athletics Championship 2022. In the 80-and 200-meter hurdle events at the World Masters competition held in Tampere, Finland from June 29 to July 10, Jacob earned two bronze medals for India.World Masters competitions are held for athletes over the age of 35. Jacob took home the medals in the 80+ division.
Jacob qualified for the World Masters after winning multiple gold at the National Masters Athletics Championship earlier this year in Chennai. A last minute health issue prevented Jacob from participating in the long jump competition at the World Masters but I didn’t stop him from winning two bronze medals.
“I have served my country as a politician and now as a sportsman. I am thrilled and will participate in more events in future.” Former MLA said.
“Since my childhood, I have always been interested in sports. I have started participating in international athletic events in 2006 and have won many medals.” he said.
“I need a little more improvement in my practice to compete with the Europeans, who are difficult to beat,” he added.
Jacob, a CPM leader and former Piravom MLA, has won numerous medals for India while representing the nation at the Asian Masters Athletics Championship.
“I wake up at 4 am and go for a walk and run. I do yoga often and do exercises to strengthen my body. When I stayed at the MLA hostel in Thiruvananthapuram, I used to do practice at the stadium every day. I eat what’s healthy and necessary for my body,” he said.
Jacob, who also held the positions of Thirumarady Panchayat President and Ernakulam District Panchayat Member in the years 1981–1982 and 1998–1999.
In 2006 Kerala assembly elections, Jacob upset Kerala Congress veteran TM Jacob.
Even after being elected as panchayat president and later as an MLA, I participated in sports meet held in the state, national and international levels.
This was Jacob’s fourth outing at World Masters after competing in 2015,2016,and 2018 seasons.